Know Before You Go… Breweries, Cideries, Distilleries, Meaderies, and Wineries

Barker Brewing – Smokin’ the Competition!

Located a mere 6 minutes off the Niagara Wine Trail, and conveniently less than 3 miles south from BlackBird Cider Works within the Village of Barker, NY is where you’ll find Barker Brewing. The exact address to program into your G.P.S. system is 1693 East Ave. Barker, NY 14012. It can be a little tricky to find, because it is not on the beaten path, but trust your G.P.S! Just when you think you should turn around, because you think you’ve made a wrong turn… there’s the sign and flag waving you onto victory, and the brewery!

After you turn down the dirt driveway, you’ll begin to notice the wonderfully intoxicating waft of barbeque welcoming you to Barker Brewing. Yes! Not only is this a brewery, but they also serve delicious, house-smoked meats on their full menu for dining in or taking out. This is truly a family-owned and operated endeavor, and also a family-friendly establishment! Come one, come all. The more the merrier, as all are welcomed here.

Beer and BBQ is one of my favorite pairings! My go-to menu item is the Pork Nachos Supreme with which I could enjoy any one of their 5 house beers. If you have yet to venture out to Barker Brewing, their house taps include a Niagara Pale Ale, a Dirty Blonde (not named after me, but could be!), a German-style Golden Hill Wheat, a Coffee-Chocolate Stout, and usually a seasonal ale. I recommend starting with a tasting flight, so that you can sample all of them first before deciding upon a pint, grumbler, or growler.

Even if beer isn’t necessarily your beverage of choice, Barker Brewing understands that. They thoughtfully offer a selection of local wines from Schulze Winery, various ciders from local cideries, and non-alcoholic sodas, as well. This is a great Sunday drive destination that is only about an hour from either Buffalo or Rochester, or a perfect place to stop, eat, and take a relaxing break while out and about on the Niagara Wine Trail. Follow your G.P.S., your nose, and the smoke signals rising into the air. Barker Brewing has set itself apart from the pack, and ahead of it’s competition!